The Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army is a Grade 6 social studies topic in Pengi Social Studies, Chapter 5: Ancient China, exploring the extraordinary burial monument of China's first emperor Qin Shi Huangdi. Obsessed with immortality, the emperor commissioned thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots to guard his tomb in the afterlife. Discovered in 1974, each terracotta figure has a unique face, demonstrating both the emperor's vast resources and the exceptional craftsmanship of Qin artisans.
Key Concepts
Shi Huangdi was obsessed with immortality. To protect himself in the afterlife, he built a massive tomb guarded by the Terracotta Army .
This army consisted of thousands of life sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots, each with a unique face. These figures demonstrate the Emperor’s vast resources and the skilled craftsmanship of Qin artisans.
Common Questions
What is the Terracotta Army?
The Terracotta Army is a collection of thousands of life-sized clay (terracotta) soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with China's first emperor Qin Shi Huangdi to protect him in the afterlife. It was discovered in 1974 near Xi'an, China.
Why did the Qin Emperor build the Terracotta Army?
Qin Shi Huangdi was obsessed with achieving immortality and protecting himself after death. He had the Terracotta Army created to serve as his eternal military guard, reflecting his belief that he would continue to rule even in the afterlife.
Where was the Terracotta Army discovered?
The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well near Xi'an in Shaanxi Province, China. Archaeologists have since excavated thousands of figures, but many more remain buried and unexcavated.
How does Pengi Social Studies Grade 6 cover the Terracotta Army?
The Pengi Social Studies Grade 6 textbook covers the Terracotta Army in Chapter 5: Ancient China, explaining how this burial monument reveals the emperor's beliefs about the afterlife and demonstrates the wealth and artistry of the Qin Dynasty.
Are all the Terracotta Army soldiers the same?
No, each soldier in the Terracotta Army has a unique face, hairstyle, and expression, suggesting they were modeled on actual soldiers. This individualization demonstrates the extraordinary skill of the Qin Dynasty's artisans.